Chenin Blanc 2023 – Sigurd Wines

Overview

The Chenin Blanc 2023 represents one of the most refined and expressive interpretations of this variety in Australia, distinguished by tension, mineral depth and a luminous aromatic profile. Sourced from an elevated, organically farmed vineyard in Clare Valley, the wine delivers purity and precision through its natural acidity and chalky structure. Its balance between freshness, texture and restrained richness makes it a compelling white wine for enthusiasts of terroir-driven styles. Designed for both immediate enjoyment and long-term ageing, it stands as a benchmark expression of old-vine Chenin crafted with patience and intention. Contains sulfites.

History of the Wine

This Chenin Blanc originates from one of the northernmost and highest-elevation Chenin vineyards in Clare Valley, over sixty years old and deeply rooted in the region’s winemaking heritage. Sigurd Wines has worked consistently with this site to refine a stylistic identity that honours both the variety and its landscape. Over the years, the vineyard has produced fruit of remarkable clarity and drive, allowing the winery to craft a Chenin that balances brightness, texture and longevity. The 2023 vintage is considered one of the most complete, shaped by favourable conditions and meticulous vineyard care.

Vineyard Philosophy

The vineyard is farmed organically, with a focus on soil vitality, biodiversity and natural balance. Its altitude provides cooler nights, preserving acidity and aromatics, while the age of the vines results in low yields of concentrated, characterful fruit. Minimal intervention, careful canopy management and hand harvesting ensure that only the finest grapes reach the cellar. This approach allows the Chenin to express its inherent energy, savoury mineral profile and delicate fruit spectrum with purity and precision.

Winemaking Approach & Variety

The Chenin Blanc 2023 is whole-bunch pressed firmly to capture phenolic detail and structural depth. Fermentation occurs naturally on full lees in a mix of seasoned French and Slovenian puncheons, along with a 1000L European cask adding breadth and integration. After a 12-day natural fermentation, the wine completes malolactic and remains on lees until June 2025, developing texture and savoury definition. A final rest of three months in stainless steel precedes bottling, with only a minimal addition of sulfur. The result is a white wine defined by tension, minerality and silent richness that unfolds with air.

Tasting Notes

Colour: deep straw with golden reflections, signalling ripeness and intensity.
Nose: concentrated lemon and golden apple evolving into brined citrus, quince, nutmeg and subtle buttery tones.
Palate: fine, chalky texture supported by focused acidity, combining freshness and quiet richness that grows with time in the glass.

Food Pairings

Chenin Blanc 2023 pairs beautifully with elegant, subtly rich dishes, highlighting its mineral backbone and precise acidity. Ideal with braised leeks in cream, wine and tarragon, served alongside fillets of Boarfish or other firm white fish. It also complements delicate poultry, herb-driven risottos and vegetable-focused cuisine. Its versatility and structure make it suitable for both refined home cooking and elevated gastronomic preparations.

Technical Sheet

• Grapes: 100% Chenin Blanc

• Origin: Clare Valley, South Australia

• Alcohol: 13.4%

• Vinification: whole-bunch pressing, natural fermentation on full lees

• Ageing: French & Slovenian oak + 1000L oak cask, then 3 months in steel

• Style: medium-bodied, dry white wine

• Serving Temperature: 10–12°C

• Ageing Potential: up to 10 years

• Contains sulfites

Sigurd Wines

Sigurd Wines: Family Spirit and Terroir Respect in Barossa

History of Sigurd Wines

Sigurd Wines was founded in 2012 by Dan Graham as a personal and artisanal winemaking project after years spent studying and working in vineyards around the world. The name “Sigurd” comes from his Norwegian great-grandfather, Sigurd Thorwaldsen Gran, whose story inspired the identity of the winery. Coming from a family of growers in Australia and the Riverina region, Dan chose to create a small, independent label rooted in the local land, distancing himself from the large-scale industrial productions he had previously experienced. Sigurd Wines embodies this decision: crafting honest, handmade wines that reflect tradition, origin and Dan’s global winemaking background.

Vineyard Philosophy

The vineyard philosophy at Sigurd Wines is based on sustainable, natural and environmentally conscious agriculture. The grapes come from organic, biodynamic or sustainably farmed vineyards across renowned Australian regions such as Barossa, Clare Valley, Adelaide Hills and McLaren Vale. Each site is selected for its expressiveness and balance, allowing the vines to grow in harmony with the soil and climate. This approach protects biodiversity, nurtures soil health and ensures grapes that truly represent their variety and terroir.

Winery Approach

In the winery, Sigurd follows a strict minimal-intervention philosophy: spontaneous fermentation with wild yeasts, no fining, no filtration, no additives — except for a minimal amount of sulphur at bottling. Every variety is vinified separately, often with whole-bunch elements, short macerations or gentle extraction, and then aged in large oak barrels or stainless steel depending on the style. The result is a collection of wines focused on purity, texture, freshness and authenticity, rather than standardised industrial profiles.

Identity, Values and Vision

Sigurd Wines is more than a winery — it is a family-driven project that unites heritage, respect for the land and a passion for authentic expression. Dan and his wife Marta run the company together: Dan managing vineyards and winemaking, Marta handling branding, communications, export and business development. Their philosophy is clear: small batches, handmade wines, sustainable farming and zero compromise on integrity. Every bottle carries the family’s story, the landscapes of Barossa and the intention to make honest, characterful wines with a strong sense of place.